This was our second time hiking this trail. We were here this same week (second in Nov) last year. This was a huge difference because this year was colder and there was a lot of snow. As mentioned by many the first leg, the incline, is hard on the lungs. Especially for those of us who are “flat landers”. Once you get past that, it is less difficult. Snow does make it more challenging as well but it is worth the hike. We continued for about 30 minutes past Eagles nest and turned around. We could tell it was not traveled as much. It was not crowded but when we encountered anyone it was usually dog owners with very friendly dogs. Happy hiking!

Beautiful winter trail hike if you’re looking for a nice stroll in the woods. Curious to see what it’s like in the warmer months. Lots of aspens, will definitely be back to the area in the fall next year!

Loved it! Went around 6:30am to watch the sun rise. It was fantastic! Very little snow on the ground, just towards the top and I was fine in my sneakers and light layers.

However, it is quite steep in areas, with lots of loose gravel that makes coming down a little challenging. (I only fell once! Haha!) Love the peak area, lots of places to sit and enjoy the view on all sides! I’ll definitely be doing this one again!

Very quite, would probably be more enjoyable to the eyes in spring. No one on trail after beginning and decent amount of snow, afternoon of 10/26, especially after junction with the GRT. Didn’t make it to the top of the pass but attempted it, decided to turn around after snow got deep and the sun had settled over the mountains. An eerie area

Great hike to help us get acclimated. Trail was pretty muddy in some areas. Past the lake, peak’s trail was much drier than the road portion. Saw two moose on our way back between the lake and the trailhead.

I would like to clarify that this route displayed here is NOT the Rainbow Lake Trail. It is actually the Rainbow Lake Trail, then the Masontown Tail, then cuts off the Masontown trail to Bill's Ranch Trail, then meets back up with the Rainbow Lakes Trail. The actual Rainbow Lakes trail is just an out and back to the lake. Don't get lost people, this is NOT Rainbow Lake Trail ONLY!!!!! There is no loop as part of the trail. It is ONLY OUT AND BACK! You will see trail signs that say this along the way and will not match what AllTrails is saying. This incorrect info as a guide makes me rather irritated as many people get lost and stranded on Mount Royal for not using accurate information about their hikes. Trust me, I live at THE TRAIL HEADS! ALSO: I have suggest an edit of this trail which has not yet been approved. This comment may become irrelevant after edit approval.

We did this hike on 10/21. There was some snow but not enough to require crampons. It was a pretty and an easy hike. (We actually ended up exploring beyond the second lake and going on Salt Lick trail then looping back.) The trail was wooded mostly and it smelled like pine and sage in some parts. There were lots of Aspen trees without leaves so I’ll probably try this hike again earlier in the fall next year.

Nice, easy short hike. Lots of aspens so I can imagine what this trail looks like in early fall. Nice views of Dillon in any case with a nice lake and mountain views up top. Great weather today and not too many people on the hike. Great hike for early morning or late afternoon.

Muddy hike today, 10.19.18 due to precip last night. Takes awhile to get away from I70 noise. Good workout. Lakes are meh but views at top are nice. Was peaceful and that's what I'm after but probably would not do this again. Too many other better trails in the area.

Excellent easy trail for kiddos. I walked this with my 4 year old and my 10 year old. great views and easy walk! You dont want to miss this if you are looking for something non strenuous but beautiful!

This trail is an excellent day hike. On October 12, my son and I ventured from Copper Mountain toward Wheeler Lakes. The first two-thirds is the steepest portion of the hike with the final third easier on the legs. Our journey included snow, which enhanced the beautiful scenery. I highly recommend this hike.

The beginning of this trail was heavily logged, very few trees standing. There were a couple scenic segments and good views of the Breckenridge Ski area much of the way. This was a day hike for us. Only moderately enjoyable.

Beautiful hike! I hiked in a considerable amount of snow; about 4-6 inches around mile 2 and increasing to a foot or more around mile 3.5-4! The trail through the snow stopped short of the pass and I didn't have the gear to break new snow trail, so didn't make it to the pass. The highway noise fades away after the first mile and then it was silent!

Out of shape and from Iowa, this trail challenged me at times and overall a great hike. steady incline all the way up. Rain and snow the entire time but the cloudy view at the top was still amazing with the snow covered trees.